Verbverb

Verbverb is a neologism used in linguistic and language-game contexts to describe a device in which a verb is repeated immediately after itself to convey emphasis, iteration, or a performative act. The term blends “verb” with itself and is not part of formal linguistic theory, but it is used in discussions, writing experiments, and online forums as a descriptive label rather than a canonical phenomenon.

In practice, verbverb involves repeating the same verb in close succession within a clause or phrase, often with no change in tense or aspect. The repetition can function as an intensifier, signaling repeated action, persistence, or playful affect. Examples in English might include phrases such as “go go now” or “try try again,” where the second instance reinforces the imperative or iterative meaning.

Relation to reduplication and cross-linguistic usage: Verbverb is related to reduplication found in many languages, but it is treated as a stylistic device rather than a productive grammatical process. It is not a stable, universal category in linguistic theory, and its applicability varies with genre, register, and speaker intention. In some discussions, it appears as an ad hoc emphasis rather than a syntactic function.

See also: reduplication, iterative aspect, functional shift. Notes: This term is a neologism and should be understood as an informal label used in speculative discussions and language games.